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Good morning! This day in Disney history, March 21st, 1975: Mission to Mars opened in Tomorrowland.

Mission to Mars opened less than eight years after the opening of Rocket to the Moon. Rocket to the Moon was an original 1955 opening year attraction sponsored by Trans World Airlines. It’s name changed in 1967 to “Flight to the Moon” as part of the new Tomorrowland.

The Moonliner in the 1955 model at Disneyland - The First 50 Magical Years.

The Astro-Jets are adjacent to Rocket to the Moon

From July 1969, through December 1972, six manned missions of NASA’s Apollo program landed on the Moon. The present had finally caught up with Tomorrowland. So in 1975 Disney decided flying to Mars seemed more futuristic and therefore fitting better within the Tomorrowland theme.

In the Mission to Mars attraction, Guests entered a viewing area known as Mission Control, which was modeled after a typical mission control center featuring seated Audio-Animatronic "technicians" whose backs were to the audience. Facing the audience was an Audio-Animatronic flight director named Mr. Johnson who hosted the show with film clips about space travel. The lecture was interrupted once per show by an intruder alarm caused by a large bird crash-landing near the spacecraft launch pad. After the pre-show, guests boarded their spacecraft, a circular theater with stadium-like seating featuring circular flat screens on the ceiling and floor. There were also side screens that showed film clips or graphics.

According to yesterland.com, Mission to Mars closed in November 1992. But this time, the closing wasn’t to make way for a major update or brand new attraction. Except for a short period in 1996, when part of the building was used for the temporary Toy Story Funhouse, the former Mission to Mars was simply abandoned. It was part of a lonely little corner of Disneyland with several other closed attractions that weren’t replaced until years later, some, not replaced at all: America Sings (closed 1988), the Skyway to Fantasyland (closed 1994), and the PeopleMover (closed 1995).

Of course, you all know in 1998, the building that once housed Mission to Mars was reinvented into Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port restaurant. The Rocket that stands on top however isn’t the original. It’s about two thirds the height and “landed” near the entrance of the restaurant. It’s painted red and white like the original, except it’s Coca Cola themed, not TWA.

Thanks!! I don't think I ever rode on a Mission to Mars, nothing about it seemed familiar I will watch the lengthier vid later- looks very interesting. Thanks again for all your work that you put into these wonderful history posts of Disneyland! 😘 - HandMeAChurroImmaFaint
4976.1 #18 10:59AM

To be fair, I am a NorCal churro and was 16 years old on my first trip- for one lil day. Clearly, i am making up for lost time😂😂😂 - HandMeAChurroImmaFaint 4976.1 #18 1:25PM

Awe! Thanks my sweet churro friend! 💗 I know you know it a labor of love for MW. I missed it as well. Making up for lost time too! 😍👏👯 I didn't get my first AP till I was 29. Our kids are so spoiled! 😂 - Duchess_SMK 5843.3 #14 2:09PM

I loved the old Tomorrowland attractions... Mission to Mars & Adventure Through Inner Space. As a kid, they gave me something to think about, to dream about. Exploring space, exploring molecules. Really cool stuff. I've always loved to think and dream and lots of kids do. I believe that kind of experience is missing from the newer Tomorrowland. - BRabbit
534.1 #344 12:01PM

I remember liking it. I remember sitting in the front holding onto the pole while the room was shaking (taking of to mars). And watching the screen that was in the center seeing earth getting smaller. - msparrow 139.3 #2785 3:25PM

I remember thinking that is fast to get to Mars. but from Corona to Anaheim took 40 mins... how can tha Be.......??????? - RobMurow_
3118.4 #37 11:41AM

The memories this brings. As a kid the space program was getting bigger all the time. I feel bad for my kids because I don't think they get to experience that like I did, since the cuts in the space program. - potatohead25
601.5 #300 1:58PM

Where space mountain now sits used to be a very simple tomorrowland stage. Disneyland broadcast live the landing on the moon as Guests watched on from tomorrowland - MickeyLumboCM 816.5 #196 3:55PM

Thanks so much for taking the time to put together such an informative post. Also, one of your clips reminded me that if you search "extinct attractions" on YouTube you will find more great videos of old attractions... - CVDisneyland
385.6 #526 4:45PM

Thank YOU so much for letting me know you enjoy it! Also, awesome! I'll have to check that out on YouTube! I'm always looking for new videos! - Duchess_SMK 5843.3 #14 7:18AM

I remember this! I thought it was pretty fun! I really liked the animatronic NASA people and I thought they were real people until I was like 12! I also remember my friends giving me a hard time when I would want to go on this back in high school, cause they thought it was cheesy. I also really liked Adventure Thru Inner Space, and of course the PeopleMover and the Skyway! Thanks for another awesome blast into the past @Duchess_SMK! - zenderella
408.9 #489 5:03PM

Hi Zendurella ::waves:: I think it's cool you wanted to go in HS even if your friends didn't. Science is COOL! YES! ATIS was another super interesting attraction. I wish Tomorrowland had more "science" in it now. Thanks for the support! ((hugs)) - Duchess_SMK 5843.3 #14 7:21AM

Duchess_SMK, yes, I agree, Tomorrowland needs more science in it... well, it needs more in it period!!! I do like Innoventions and I think it has a bunch of cool interactive learning tools, and while I did like America Sings, I think Innoventions fits the area much better! I really think they need to bring back a modernized PeopleMover! I loved how that ride went through ATIS/Star Tours, Tron, Circlevision, Space Mountain (where you could actually see people riding it), and even through that store where you could see people shopping! Such fun! I look forward to your next Disney history lesson! See you in two weeks!!! *hugs* - zenderella 408.9 #489 11:46AM

Sorta also liked that the classics like Mission to Mars weren't tied to a movie. They were just good fun attractions ! - msdizmaui
634.6 #276 7:32PM

I remember it well. As a kid, I thought it was pretty cool. As I grew up, that sort of faded, and by the last time I rode it, I was a bit embarrassed that my employer (McDonnell Douglas) sponsored it. Still, a good memory, and a great write up! - redsoxcarlos
1335.6 #108 9:07PM

It seems a lot of people felt like you did. ::giggles:: I think our imagination fades a little when we get older. Thanks so much! Means a lot to me that you enjoyed the read! - Duchess_SMK 5843.3 #14 7:24AM

I remembered riding this as a kid thinking we were really going to Mars! I loved it! - pixiedreamer
143.3 #2709 9:23PM

I remember going on this quite a few times. The most memorable part of it - the seats that inflated! I miss Tomorrowland '67 very much - it was my favorite Land by far! Tomorrowland as it is currently is my least favorite Land in the park. - Grindcore
500.0 #378 10:15PM

The inflating seats! I think you may have been the only one to mention those! :) Awe, I don't think you are alone in that thought. I wish there was more "science" in Tomorrowland! Thanks for your comment! :) - Duchess_SMK 5843.3 #14 7:28AM

I always enjoyed the attraction. It may have been a little outdated, but it was part of the charm! - ythdudette
1173.7 #127 10:17PM

outdated depending on the year you went. ;) But yes, very charming I agree. - Duchess_SMK 5843.3 #14 7:29AM

Honestly, when I was a small boy flight to the moon was very much in "the future" and years later it made sense to go to Mars next. But that first flight to the moon in outer space was every bit as real to me as going under the ice caps of liquid space on the submarine Voyage or becoming the size of an atom in inner space. And Walt's tv shows about the future had this little boy's imagination captured. This is part of what I get to bring with me to work everyday. - MickeyLumboCM 816.5 #196 8:26AM

I do remember this one but it's been a long time...feeling old! - MinnieMyLove
156.9 #2501 7:23AM

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The Season Two cover is revealed through an epic trailer--a tribute to Walt Disney. Check it out below and go here to get more info on MouseWait's hit series Deadliest Cast Member. Follow us on Facebook here.

When oh when will this be available on iTunes?!?! I have never finished a book so quickly. I am rereading it with my son while anxiously waiting for season 2 to be iTunes ready. Please hurry! - snitsos
26.8 #5695 9:54PM

La Brea Bakery is the Official Restaurant of MouseWait! Thank you for supporting our partners. Join us Tuesdays 8pm at La Brea for Sticker Night. La Brea offers MouseWaiters a 15% discount during official MouseWait Meetups (Sticker Nights every Tuesday night, and other meetups that we announce in the Lounge).

I've only been playing random players and that is definitely hit or miss. Anyone who wants to start a game with me is more than welcome!! Plus - you'll probably win! Lol - MissAcroBRAT
246.7 #1295 8:13AM

Just sent you a couple of invites. Let's play - Goofytom 1087.7 #143 4:06PM

GOAT EFFECT is finally here for iOS! #SaveTheGoat by knocking the dynamite out of his mouth and see how high you can run your score up! Press on your High Score on the main page to see where you rank in Game Center. Have fun!

I think I'm too dumb to figure this game out! I have no idea what's going on. I throw for dogs and sometimes the miners fall over and sometimes they don't. Then it will randomly say hit the goat, which I do and nothing happens. I've tried playing for literally an hour hoping I would catch on and I'm not gettin it. Can someone far more intelligent then I am give me a hint as to what is supposed to be happeneing? 😃 - BellesLibrary
403.0 #499 9:39PM

I'm right there with you. I can't seem to figure out the game either. I do the exact same thing as you. Someone please explain the object of this game. I'm about to delete it. - Kfeatherer 347.6 #618 6:26AM

I'm completely hopeless at this. I think I hit the goat once and still don't know how - montanapixies 43.4 #4672 12:42PM

Credits Hall of Fame. This real-time list honors the top Credits purchasers by showing the total number of Credits purchased. These MouseWaiters play an integral part in helping us maintain and innovate. Thank you to everyone who buys Credits in the MW iOS app, TRIVILATOR, and MagicRace!

This list is awesome!!!! LOL We already know Dave spends the most on food and 2BON2B spends the most on dolls. It's funny to think of other possibilities! Great job contributing everyone!!! - MrsSchnooks
2985.5 #38 11:54AM

I just figured out that if you buy 1500 at a time it is a major deal. but then you get too tempted and buy EVERYTHING!!!!!:D - secretagentangel 1347.6 #107 8:57PM

Truly...thank you! Between the CMs and our friends that share their experiences, stickers, raks and more... the Disney experience can live each day in all our hearts..in or outside of the parks - azcoolmom
213.0 #1730 8:38PM

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Credits have been applied to everyone's account as of today! - Admin
11:40AM

I still have not received my credits from the birthday bash? - vegashappyhaunts 104.4 #3371 6:01PM

I just called them to price out our potential trip in June. Chris was so nice and the MW savings are phenomenal! Still waiting on work vacation approval to reserve the room! - HNL2SFO
205.4 #1833 1:26PM

What percentage saving are we looking at for being MouseWaiters? Is it better than a AAA discount. - MoChuck 14.4 #7802 3:57PM

Annual Passholder Event- Celebrating 20 Years of Adventure!- Annual Passholders can enjoy extra magic hours on either Tuesday, March 3 or Wednesday, March 4 from 8pm-midnight in the lands of Adventureland, Frontierland and New Orleans Square, with surprises the entire night! Registration is now closed for the event. Check in for the event will start at 3pm at Ticket Booth 4 (near Guest Relations on the DCA side).

unForecast Crowd Prediction: With the rainy weather, expect it to be quiet both Monday and maybe Tuesday. With the AP events on Tuesday/Wednesday night, expect the parks to be a little busier than normal towards park closing. The weather is supposed to warm up later this week, so expect it to be a little busier towards the end of the week and into the weekend. Expect CIs to be in the 50s-high 60s during the week, 70s-low 80s during the weekend. - BaseballMickey_CM Mar 2, 2015 3:14PM

We have always noticed that Saturdays are better than Sundays! We always come on the weekend and say we want to leave at dinner time on Sunday, but always leave by 11-12 because there are so many people. We love Saturday!! - 1Princess3Princes
354.4 #598 5:39PM

I agree. I think it has to do with most passes being blocked - PoohSizedGuy 18.5 #6855 11:53PM

I love these posts! I do have a question/request/suggestion...is there a way to only show the 3-4 most recent posts? It's a lot to scroll through. @@Admin - TiggersAndTinks
117.0 #3148 5:08AM

I second this. The info is great to have, but it's too long. - 1HitchhikingGhost 217.9 #1671 5:04PM

ANNUAL PASSHOLDERS ROYAL MEETUP FOR TUESDAY FEBRUARY 24th! 7:30 ! Meetup in front of train station for group photo and then some shenanigans maybe??? See you there! - secretagentangel
1347.6 #107 6:23PM

is there a meet up at the AP event tues march 3rd? - MsTikiMermadam
104.2 #3377 9:33PM